Sunday's Tele-Text-a-Thon Benefits United Way of Tri-County

The United Way of Tri-County in partnership with Access Framingham TV (AF-TV) will hold its first-ever Tele-Text-a-thon tomorrow, Nov. 8 from 6 to 9 p.m..

The Tele-Text-a-thon is a three-hour event and fundraiser supporting the food pantries of the Framingham-based United Way and will feature local interviews, musical acts, dancing, comedy and much more.

The event will be hosted by the United Way’s President and CEO, Paul Mina and viewers will have the option to text, phone or log-on to the United Way website to contribute.

Confirmed acts to date include Comedian and Lite Rock 105 morning DJ Steve Donovan, old school folk/rock band The Loomers, a visit from members of the Framingham Community Theater, local blue grass band Moonshine Alley, and blues/rock originals by Big Bad Wolf.

Tune in to ask community leaders a question and they may even share a hidden talent, or better yet, see them dance with UWTC resident turkey Giblet!

The United Way food pantries have become essential to the communities they serve.

In Framingham, the Pearl Street Cupboard and Cafe, opened in January of 2012, has become the third largest food pantry in the state. With new families continuing to register daily, United Way of Tri-County is asking for continued support of residents in the region.

“This is the first Tele-Text-a-Thon for our United Way and we’re thrilled to have such a creative and willing partner as Access Framingham TV,” said Mina, President and CEO at the United Way of Tri-County. “The support we receive from the community is what keeps our pantry doors open and shelves stocked, and United Way knows how to stretch contributions to the fullest. With our buying power every $1 donated can purchase $4 of food.”

“With our new studio, Access Framingham is proud to be able to host this exciting event for the United Way and for Framingham,” says AF-TV Interim Executive Director, Francesca Cerutti-Harris. “When they came to us with the idea last year we thought it was a great opportunity to have our Access Framingham members experience filming music and doing a live broadcast…all very fun stuff. And to help with the Feed-a-Family program which we have promoted in the past, it is a win-win-win for all”.

Residents from Framingham and surrounding towns can tune in on RCN Channel 3, Comcast Channel 9 or Verizon Channel 43 anytime during the tele-text-a-thon for some fun entertainment and information.

Representatives from local agencies, town officials, volunteers and individuals will be on hand to share their stories about how the United Way’s food security initiative has impacted their lives.

The Text-a-tele-thon will also stream live from the Access Framingham and United Way of Tri-County websites at www.AccessFram.tv and www.uwotc.org.

The Tele-Text-a-Thon is part of the United Way’s Annual Feed-a-Family Campaign that runs throughout the Holidays. If you would like to donate now please text the “Giblet” to 41444, or visit the UWTC website at www.uwotc.org/donate.